Reference Books - Page 3

Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why

Bart D. Ehrman

Amazon Price: $17.72 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: HarperOne Amazon Marketplace: 157 new & used starting at $4.49

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Church History -> General
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Church History -> General AAS
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Reference -> Commentaries -> New Testament

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 368 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

When world-class biblical scholar Bart Ehrman first began to study the texts of the Bible in their original languages he was startled to discover the multitude of mistakes and intentional alterations that had been made by earlier translators. In Misquoting Jesus, Ehrman tells the story behind the mistakes and changes that ancient scribes made to the New Testament and shows the great impact they had upon the Bible we use today. He frames his account with personal reflections on how his study of the Greek manuscripts made him abandon his once ultraconservative views of the Bible.

Since the advent of the printing press and the accurate reproduction of texts, most people have assumed that when they read the New Testament they are reading an exact copy of Jesus's words or Saint Paul's writings. And yet, for almost fifteen hundred years these manuscripts were hand copied by scribes who were deeply influenced by the cultural, theological, and political disputes of their day. Both mistakes and intentional changes abound in the surviving manuscripts, making the original words difficult to reconstruct. For the first time, Ehrman reveals where and why these changes were made and how scholars go about reconstructing the original words of the New Testament as closely as possible.

Ehrman makes the provocative case that many of our cherished biblical stories and widely held beliefs concerning the divinity of Jesus, the Trinity, and the divine origins of the Bible itself stem from both intentional and accidental alterations by scribes -- alterations that dramatically affected all subsequent versions of the Bible.

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

Henri J. M. Nouwen

Amazon Price: $10.88 List Price: $16.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Image Books / Doubleday Publishing Group Amazon Marketplace: 107 new & used starting at $6.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Religious
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Authors, A-Z -> ( N ) -> Nouwen, Henri -> General
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Authors, A-Z -> ( N ) -> Nouwen, Henri -> Paperback

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 96 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Deeply insightful and life changing 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Henri Nouwen had a truly God-given gift - the gift of explaining timeless spiritual truths in very clear, ordinary language in a conversational and deeply captivating way. His words and his explanations imprint themselves into the memory and stay in the heart, and truly help to change lives. Much of his wisdom surely comes from his own struggles, which he admits to in the book - he personally struggled with depression, pride, desire for success and fame, envy, etc. - common human ailments. He also struggled with feeling unworthy of God, and with feeling distant from God. Yet, he learned to overcome his struggles (though he admits that he is still on a journey), and he describes how.

This is the third book I have read by Neuwen. After reading Life of the Beloved I really didn't think that anything could compare, but this book, if not better, is at least just as good. It is an instantly timeless spiritual classic. The whole book is a reflection on Rembrandt's painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son. First Nouwen reflects on the younger son who came back from a foreign land. Then he reflects on the older son who witnesses his younger brother's return. Finally, Nouwen reflects on the father figure. His insights are deep and beautiful. He leads the reader to a natural and yet incredible insight: that after identifying ourselves with both the younger and older brother, we must realize that rather than being either of these two brothers, we are called to become the father!

Editorial Review:

The beloved spiritual writer meditates on the parable of the prodigal son's return -- a powerful drama of fatherhood, filial duty, rivalry, and anger between brothers -- and its enduring lessons for Christianity.

Full-color photographs with gatefold.

Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

Amazon Price: $10.88 List Price: $16.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Banner of Truth Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $8.49

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Christian Living -> Worship
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Reference -> Meditations -> General
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Worship & Devotion -> Devotionals

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 93 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Worth Much, Much More 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

These prayers and devotions are wonderfully written. Passionate and thought provoking. Many phrases will remind you of scripture. I read them over and over and discover new morsels to digest. I have given copies to my friends. I carry it right next to my Bible.

Spiritually uplifting 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The prayers of the Puritans are incredibly inspiring and beautiful. The combination of a close relationship with God and their command of the English language make these prayers powerful and enlightening. They show a depth of spirituality rarely experienced today and are an example and learning experience to all Christians. They touched my heart and life.

Valley of Vision 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I love this book of Puritan praises and prayers. If you appreciate poetry, you will love Valley of Vision. It is so deeply written and humble and very refreshing to find what you feel put exactly into words.

Puritanism at its Best 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The Puritans were know for their deep devotion to God. This little leather bound book is a wonderful insight into that devotion. Over 360 pages of excerpts from their written prayers.

The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God

Lee Strobel

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Zondervan Amazon Marketplace: 74 new & used starting at $5.75

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Authors, A-Z -> ( S ) -> Strobel, Lee
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Christian Living -> General
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Christian Living -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 217 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Good, but not anything new 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book is an apologetics volume that leans more toward the scientific. It doesn't just argue for intelligent design. It states there is a creator of every thing and every system. In reality, it is more a series of interviews with various scientific figures. Strobel interviews a professor with a PhD in molecular biology and religious studies, a proffessor with a PhD in history and philosophy and science, and a professor with a PhD in cosmology.

Strobel doesn't really write much in this book. He just lets his interviews talk, and then he cites a lot of facts. Strobel is a former journalist, so if you like to read the newspaper, this book is for you. There are also a few times when the scientists that he speaks with get a little to technical with their language, and it leaves you reaching for headache medicine.

If you've never read a book on apologetics and intelligent design, then this might be worth picking up. But honestly, Strobel doesn't cover anything new. If you're hoping to convert someone to Christianity, don't think this book will do it, even if they are in to science. Please try something more spiritual.

Editorial Review:

Lee Strobel investigates the latest scientific discoveries to see whether they form a solid basis for believing in God.

Searching for God Knows What

Donald Miller

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Thomas Nelson Amazon Marketplace: 110 new & used starting at $4.85

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Reference -> New Testament -> Study
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Reference -> General
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Reference -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 107 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

In Searching for God Knows What, Donald Miller's provocative and funny new book, he shows readers that the greatest desire of every person is the desire for redemption. Every person is constantly seeking redemption (or at least the feeling of it) in his or her life, believing countless gospels that promise to fix the brokenness. Typically their pursuits include the desire for fulfilling relationships, successful careers, satisfying religious systems, status, and escape. Miller reveals how the inability to find redemption leads to chaotic relationships, self-hatred, the accumulation of meaningless material possessions, and a lack of inner peace. Readers will learn to identify in themselves and within others the universal desire for redemption. They will discover that the gospel of Jesus is the only way to find meaning in life and true redemption. Mature believers as well as seekers and new Christians will find themselves identifying with the narrative journey unfolded in the book, which is simply the pursuit of redemption.

Life Application Study Bible NIV

Amazon Price: $26.39 List Price: $39.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Tyndale House Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 69 new & used starting at $13.98

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Bible & Other Sacred Texts -> General
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Bible & Other Sacred Texts -> General AAS
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Bibles -> Specific Types -> Study Bibles

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 127 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Fast ship and great condition 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is my favorite bible for giving away to people who are not bible readers. the study notes, bible land map, and other helps really help them apply scriptures to there lives.

Editorial Review:

The NIV edition of today's #1-selling study Bible has been updated and expanded. Over 300 new Life Application notes, nearly 350 note revisions, 16 new personality profiles, updated charts, and a Christian Worker's Resource have been added. The Life Application Study Bible not only explains difficult passages and provides valuable background on Bible life and times but also shows how God's Word speaks to every circumstance and situation of life.

Features:

• Over 300 new Life Application notes and significant revisions to nearly 350 others.
• 16 new Personality Profiles.
• Most charts revised to clarify meaning and importance, plus eight all-new charts.
• New information on the intertestamental period.
• Christian Worker's Resource--a special supplement to enhance the reader's ministry effectiveness.

Facing Your Giants: The God Who Made a Miracle Out of David Stands Ready to Make One Out of You

Max Lucado

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Thomas Nelson Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $6.18

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Christian Living -> Faith
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Christian Living -> General
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Reference -> Old Testament -> Study

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 48 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

This book is Wisdom 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I think this book is amazing. The life of David was one filled with the good the bad and the ugly. Yet through it all he knew exactly who was guiding him. It is an amazing reminder to me that when my life is not exactly as I pictured or had hoped, I have the ultimate father I can turn to for exactly what I need at that moment. Max Lucado spoke to my heart, he reminded me that Christians are not weak and meak. We are warriors for God we stand against Goliath every day and understand our all powerful God will give us authority when we need it, strength when we are weak and moments to dance and laugh. Thanks for this awesome book. My prayer is peace to anyone who reads this book.

Editorial Review:

Giants. We must face them. Yet, we need not face them alone.

This profound look at the life of David digs deeply into the defeats he suffered, and the victories he won, as he faced the giants in his life. When David focused on God, giants tumbled. But when David focused on giants, he stumbled.

Goliaths still roam in our world. Debt. Disaster. Dialysis. Divorce. Deceit. Disease. Depression. These super-sized challenges swagger and strut into our lives, pilfering our sleep, embezzling our peace, and robbing us of our joy. And while these giants try to dominate our lives, we know what to do! We've learned what David learned, and we do what David did. We become God-focused. We pick up five stones. We make five decisions. And we take a swing.

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth

Gordon D Fee

By: Zondervan Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 2 new & used starting at $24.98

Buy at Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 88 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Wonderful Read for Christians of all Persuasions 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The book is an excellent journey into the word of God and will get you pointed in the right direction. Many Christians do not study the word of God in the correct context and this book rectifies a long standing problem in the Evangelical community concerning the interpretation of Scripture. I was concerned about the author's pushing the TNIV as the translation of choice for serious study of the Bible. I would have preferred that they used the NRSV with the TNIV being a strong secondary translation for study. I did appreciate the fact that they encouraged the use of Bible dictonaries and commentaries to study scripture, but I felt that thay should have done a chapter on good study bibles that can aid in understanding the text. I did feel that they interjected their opinions too much in the book and gave us their pet peeves, couched in the language of exegesis and hermeneutics. In the same vein, they did debunk a few misinterpretations on some biblical passages and they allow for healthy dissent. The most important thing is to read the Bible and this book gives a good start.

Editorial Review:

Biblical interpretation for both beginning and experienced Bible readers. Changes to the new third edition include: updated language, new foreword, improved diagrams, substantial rewriting of several chapters to make them more user-friendly, and updated list of recommended commentaries and resources.

The Cost of Discipleship

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

List Price: $6.95 By: Scribner Paper Fiction Amazon Marketplace: 52 new & used starting at $0.01

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Authors, A-Z -> ( B ) -> Bonhoeffer, Dietrich
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Reference -> New Testament -> Study
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Reference -> Theology -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 89 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Christianity without cost doesn't exist! 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Christian classic, The Cost of Discipleship is filled with countless gems of wisdom that run counter to the prevailing winds today that market the Christian life as one of ease and comfort. The book is not an easy read, but it is an encouraging and is probably more valuable for Christians today than even during Bonhoeffer's own time. The book is more than a call to costly discipleship, Bonhoeffer also dives into the Sermon on the Mount giving incredible insight in to the teachings of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew and also various aspects of the Christian life and the role of the Church. But the first couple of chapters of the book are worth the entire read. Bonhoeffer's radical discipleship can probably best be summarized in his famous line, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." We see far too little of Bonhoeffer's commitment and dedication to the denial of self, taking up one's cross and following Christ...The Cost of Discipleship reminds those who follow Christ that sharing in His sufferings is the mark of a believer!

Editorial Review:

Before his arrest by the Nazis in 1943, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was head of a seminary of the German Confessing Church. In "The Cost of Discipleship", he focuses on the most treasured part of Christ's teaching, the Sermon on the Mount.

Abingdon's Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

James Strong

List Price: $27.95 By: Abingdon Pr Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $14.99

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Bibles -> Translations -> King James
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Reference -> General
Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Reference -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 33 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Unlimited Possibilities 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

Strong's Concordance provides a way to study words Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic -- the languages of the the Bible -- without knowing these languages. It was designed for people who need this kind of help.

It has other uses also. Sometimes I have a verse of scripture in mind, but I cannot remember all of it or the precise meaning. I want to recall the exact words. If I can think of a single word that is unusual, a word likely to be found in only a few specific passages, I can use the word to find the verse by looking in the concordance.

Then while I'm looking, I may want to find similar passages about the subject. All the passages are easy to find using the Strong's Concordance.

There are programs on the Internet, such as the one at Blue Letter Bible dot org, with the same capacity for locating verses; sometimes though the book is better. There are quiet study times away from the computer, and there are times when the computer screen is otherwise busy.

I have friends who never go online. The Strong's Concordance is perfect for them. A concordance is a lovely gift.

Editorial Review:

This re-typeset handi-size edition includes Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionary for help in finding original words and the original meanings. It is easy to find a specific Bible verse or to research all the verses in the Bible on a specific word or topic. The Words of Christ are in bold type.